@slackjaws :: janey + julian :: cont'd
julian hasn't been doing this vigilante thing for long, but. it's been long enough that he is happy he finally knows someone who can say the same strange things he does, in the same strange vein, in the same strange language only the other can understand. a normal conversation might've gone as follows:
"el paso. how was your flight? did you eat any good tex-mex?"
"flight was long. seat was uncomfortable. babies cried."
but the thing is, janey didn't go on any flight or anything, and he knows that. and julian didn't get the best seats at the outdoor movie because he passed the ticket lady an extra few bucks. no. she very well was in el paso a moment ago because that's something she just does, and julian perched two lawn chairs on top of a building by way of swinging here, and certainly not taking the stairs, because that's something he just does. there's a sign not far from them that says NO TRESPASSERS ALLOWED. but this apartment complex is just tall enough to give them a great view of the princess bride (1987).
"didn't miss much, movie just started," he says without looking as he reaches into his backpack, "but i got you snacks. here." slaps her favorite sweet and favorite salty on her lap, before pulling out his own meal for the night: a lukewarm bottle of dr. pepper and a smushed chicago-style dog.